Treatment

Treatment can involve surgery, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy. Brain tumors are best treated by a team that includes:

Neuro-oncologist

Neurosurgeon

Oncologist

Radiation oncologist

Other health care providers, such as neurologists and social workers

Early treatment often improves the chance of a good outcome. How you are treated depends on the size and type of tumor and your general health. The goals of treatment may be to cure the tumor, relieve symptoms, and improve brain function or comfort.

Surgery is often needed for most primary brain tumors. Some tumors may be completely removed. Those that are deep inside the brain or that enter brain tissue may be debulked instead of removed. Debulking is a procedure to reduce the tumor's size.

Tumors can be hard to remove completely by surgery alone, because the tumor invades surrounding brain tissue much like roots from a plant spread through soil. When the tumor cannot be removed, surgery may still help reduce pressure and relieve symptoms.

Other medications used to treat primary brain tumors in children may include:

Corticosteroids, such as dexamethasone, to reduce brain swelling

Medicines such as urea or mannitol to reduce brain swelling and pressure

Anticonvulsants, such as evetiracetam (Keppra), to reduce seizures

Pain medications

Antacids or histamine blockers to control stress ulcers

Comfort measures, safety measures, physical therapy, and occupational therapy may be needed to improve quality of life. Counseling, support groups, and similar measures can help people cope with the disorder.

You may consider enrolling in a clinical trial after talking with your treatment team.

Legal advice may be helpful for creating advanced directives such as a power of attorney.